Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Hello all- this month's "Book of the Month" read for August is by Tamera Alexander.

Here is the Goodreads Summary-

After an unwanted past, Claire strives to create something that will last as an artist among Nashville's elite society in the 1860s.

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee her home, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe, who shows her kindness by not turning her in to authorities. But when he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged him. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville society, Claire believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her past remains hidden.

The Federal Army destroyed Sutton's home, confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.

Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

Just a friendly reminder to try not to post any spoilers as some are reading the book at different paces until around half way through the month. Thanks so much !

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So who's "in" for reading and discussing this one? I just got this in from the library and will start it soon! :)

Waiting on my copy from the library and then I'm in!

I've been meaning to read this book for a LONG time!! I MUST get to it this month!

I have this one almost as long as I have my iPad and need the book for so many challenges so I hope I manage to read it this month.

Yes, this one meets the criteria for a few challenges! The author of the month as well as the girl in the blue dress for the I spy cover challenge :)

So, I'm just getting going on reading this book starting today, but have to ask, has anyone here ever visited Belmont Mansion Nashville? It looks quite lovely, so wondering if any of you have toured it and if so, if you had any thoughts.

Here is a website for it in case anyone wants to peek at it- http://www.belmontmansion.com

I'm in! I have started it and overall am enjoying it.

I'm really liking it so far. I know a book is good when I'm praying for a long wait at a Dr.'s office just so I can read the book more :).

I'm reading this currently, and am really enjoying it. I'm looking forward to the discussion later in the month! :)

Cheryl wrote: "So, I'm just getting going on reading this book starting today, but have to ask, has anyone here ever visited Belmont Mansion Nashville? It looks quite lovely, so wondering if any of you have toure..."

Cheryl, this home is on my bucket list to tour, but I haven't gotten to it yet. I only had time for Andrew Jackson's home last time I spent more than overnight in Nashville (and I would definitely recommend that tour).

Thanks for sharing the website! Did you notice that under "tours" there is one specifically geared toward this book? So neat!

Hannah wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "So, I'm just getting going on reading this book starting today, but have to ask, has anyone here ever visited Belmont Mansion Nashville? It looks quite lovely, so wondering if any of..."

Hannah- I didn't notice that- will definitely check it out! Now I'm off to read the book some more :)

Finished it! Wow, loved this book- so many poignant and well written scenes- can't wait to discuss with you guys. I'll try and start posting some questions, etc., around the 15th. :)

Ok, I'll start throwing out some discussion questions a little bit at a time. This first question is an easy one and hopefully for those who read, or who are reading the book, you are far enough into it that you can answer this one-

Adelicia's first task that she gave Claire was to plan a birthday party for her oldest son William. She struggled to come up with a theme that was new and original, did you have any guesses before she landed on the "Hidden treasures" theme as to what she was going to come up ?

Ok- I'm gonna grab a few questions from the author's website related to our book and you can answer any and all that you'd like for those that have read the book, or if you'd like to pose your own question, please feel free!

1. In Ch 1, what was said to Claire that made her question her talent? Who said it? How would you have reacted to this kind of criticism?


2. Adelicia Acklen was a “real” person, meaning that her character in the novel is based on a woman that actually lived, as well as her many true-life events. Adelicia was an extraordinary woman who really was “born before her time.” What did you think of her character? And about her relationship with Claire? Did you sympathize with Adelicia’s past losses? Does it make you want to learn more about her? You can do just that at www.belmontmansion.com.


3, Sutton is fighting his own demons––ones of guilt and remorse. What were Sutton’s issues from the war, and have you ever borne that kind of guilt over something you’ve said or done? Or over something you wish you could have said, but the person to whom you need to say it...is gone?

You can choose just one to answer or all of them- totally up to you :)

Just finished "A Lasting Impression" and liked it very much. I read that Adelicia was a "real" person before I started the book and it made her character more interesting as I read the book. I didn't like her character at first. She seemed too harsh; like she didn't care about others but as the story progressed and I got to know her better that seemed less true or at least she didn't seem to treat Claire that way any more. I really came to appreciate the faith lessons that she imparted towards the end of the book. She suffered a lot throughout her life but yet seemed to still have a lot to offer both to her family and in her relationship with God.

Regarding William's birthday party, I figured that Claire needed to come up with some sort of 'activity' that would challenge the guests at the party. That was the only way they wouldn't say "been there, done that" or it wouldn't matter if they had already done it before. I didn't think of a treasure hunt until she came up with the idea. It was a very good idea though LOL! and the competition between the boys and girls added the perfect 'extra' touch to the party regardless of what the grandmother thought. I was thinking something like the sip-and-paint parties or other interactive sort of parties that are so popular today.

Jolyn wrote: "Just finished "A Lasting Impression" and liked it very much. I read that Adelicia was a "real" person before I started the book and it made her character more interesting as I read the book. I didn..."

Jolyn- that's exactly what I was thinking!! haha- just wondering if anyone else might be thinking the same thing in terms of the painting party!

Unfortunatelly I still didn't read the book. I hope I'll manage it sometime - preferably this year :-)